Meaning and Usage
The verb けなす means "to speak ill of" or "to belittle" someone or something. It is often used when someone criticizes others in a negative or disparaging way. This word carries a somewhat strong negative nuance, so it is usually used in contexts where the speaker disapproves of the criticism.
Common Collocations
- 人をけなす: to speak ill of a person
- 努力をけなす: to belittle someone's effort
- 失敗をけなす: to criticize or belittle a failure
These collocations show that けなす is often used with people, their actions, or their qualities.
Register and Politeness
けなす is a neutral to slightly informal verb. It is not very formal, so in polite or formal contexts, other expressions like 悪く言う or 批判する might be preferred.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse けなす with ほめる (to praise). Remember that けなす always has a negative meaning. Also, avoid using けなす in polite requests or formal writing without softening expressions, as it can sound harsh.
Summary
Use けなす when you want to express that someone is criticizing or speaking badly about others or their actions. It is useful in conversations about interpersonal conflicts or negative opinions.